Drivers are getting angrier on the road, with Gen Z and Millennials the most guilty, according to new research.
A survey by IAM RoadSmart among 2,000 people saw one is six (66%) say they are more concerned than last year about aggressive drivers.
Gen Z and Millennials are the angriest age group, the study claims, with almost two-thirds (63%) of those aged 17-34 admitting to sounding their horn with fury, compared to just 42% of those aged 70 and over.
More than eight in 10 (81%) of those surveyed have been tailgated – which is a contributory factor in one in eight collisions according to official data – in a 30mph road in the past 12 months. Three-quarters reported being tailgated on a motorway or dual carriageway, with men more likely to fall victim than women.
Middle-lane drivers are also a source of wrath, with 63% confessing to have undertaken, or seen someone undertake a lane hogger, risking points on their licence or a £100 fine. And more than eight in 10 (83%) strongly support the use of cameras to detect and prosecute tailgaters.
Department for Transport figures reveal that one in 10 of the 1,454 deaths on Britain’s roads in 2023 were linked to aggressive behaviour.
IAM RoadSmart’s study found traffic is a hugely aggravating factor in road rage incidents, with a third (31%) admitting to beeping their horn to get the driver in front to hurry up in a jam.
More than half (63%) are more concerned about traffic jams than they were 12 months ago. But DfT figures show car volumes are broadly consistent with pre-pandemic levels, however weekend vehicle use appears to be higher. This indicates that it’s congestion on leisure rather than commuting journeys that is causing frustration.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart policy and standards director, said: “We’ve all got to share the road and keep in mind that aggressive tactics such as tailgating someone will not to save you any time, but it will make it more likely you’ll have a collision. Drivers need to be aware that sometimes there are things out of their control.
“The best way to avoid stressful journeys is to plan your route before you leave and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.”
